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          Kirk Cousins helps NFC pull out Pro Bowl Games victory

          • Stephen Holder, ESPNFeb 5, 2023, 11:44 PM
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              Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.

          LAS VEGAS -- The revamped Pro Bowl Games didn't feature any tackling, but the flag football contests -- as well as the skills competitions -- provided plenty of competitive drama.

          The NFC captured honor as the winner of the Pro Bowl Games, 35-33, led by a strong performance from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in the final of three flag games. Cousins threw a pair of touchdowns to San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

          Meanwhile, the defense slowed the Derek Carr-led offense to hang on for the win.

          The NFC players take home $84,000 apiece for their win, with the AFC settling for $42,000.

          Carr made what was likely his final appearance at Allegiant Stadium as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders in Game 3, throwing a touchdown and interception for the AFC.

          A ROUGHNESS PENALTY? The first half of the first flag football game in Pro Bowl history is in the books, and the most memorable play so far is an ... unnecessary roughness penalty?

          It's true. Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey slammed into Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill, knocking Hill forcefully out of bounds as he crossed the goal line for an AFC touchdown. The play touched off some playful pushing and shoving among the teams.

          The AFC and NFC are tied 20-20 in this first of three flag games. Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has caught two touchdowns from his Baltimore teammate, Tyler Huntley.

          GENO SMITH'S ACCURACY EXTENDS TO FLAG FOOTBALL: The NFC added six points to its overall total with a 33-27 victory in the first of three flag football games.

          Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb scored the go-ahead touchdown with 12 seconds remaining when he caught a pass over the middle from the Seattle Seahawks' Geno Smith and eluded Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. with a perfectly timed spin move. It was Lamb's second touchdown of the game.

          That pulls the entire Pro Bowl Games competition into a 9-9 tie entering the upcoming Kick-Tac-Toe portion.

          VERSATILE SKILLS: The AFC won the Kick-Tac-Toe competition among the kickers, punters and long-snappers, earning another three points. That was followed by an NFC victory in the gridiron gantlet, which featured Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell busting through a padded wall, among other things. The overall score is 12-12 entering the second of three flag games.

          DEFENSE LEADS THE WAY? The AFC held a 12-6 lead at halftime of the second flag game, overcoming a pick-six thrown by Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The AFC scored the go-ahead touchdown on what looked like a zone-read run from Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry.

          The second flag game ended with an 18-13 victory for the AFC in a surprisingly defensive contest. This game was highlighted by three interceptions, including Jaire Alexander's pick-six and picks by Pat Surtain II and Trevon Diggs. Notably, Diggs' interception came at the expense of his brother, Stefon, who was attempting a pass on a trick play.

          But Stefon got the last laugh by catching the decisive touchdown minutes later.

          The AFC took a 21-15 lead into the third and final flag game after it won the move-the-chains competition and the NFC -- led by the Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown, who won the best-catch contest. The 21-15 overall score will be the starting score in the final flag game, with the winner taking the overall victory.

          The final minutes of the 2023 Pro Bowl Games is set up for a fun finish, with the NFC leading 28-27 at halftime of the third and last flag game. Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings threaded the needle for a tight throw to Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb on an extra point to put the NFC ahead.